Burkini Beach Party Protest Outside French Embassy In London Says 'Islamophobia Is Not Freedom'

Liberté, égalité, sisterhood.

Protesters campaigning against the Burkini ban in France staged a beach party outside the country’s embassy in London, declaring “Islamophobia is not freedom” and using the slogan “wear what you want”.

France has triggered a wave of global revulsion by enforcing a ban on the swimming costume, designed for Muslim women, which ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has called a “provocation”.

On Thursday, protestors put up windbreaks and built sandcastles outside the French embassy in Knightsbridge, much to the demusement of its staff and armed police guard.

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Frank Augstein/AP

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Frank Augstein/AP

Frank Augstein/AP

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Organiser India Thorogood, 25, who planned the event less than 24 hours in advance via a Facebook group, said it is “unacceptable” that men should tell women what to wear, and that French authorities are specifically “targeting” Muslim women.

Protestor Aina Khan told BuzzFeed: “I want people to stop defining us by our clothing – we’re sick and tired of it. We’re human beings first and foremost. Muslim women are becoming the battleground for bigots.”

The display was interrupted by a woman who stormed the “beach” and complained that campaigners for women’s rights ought to focus more on education.